Schools Consider Spreading Dress Code

PARK RIDGE — The District 207 school board is considering instituting a dress code at Maine Township West and Maine Township South High Schools similar to one adopted this year at Maine Township East.

The dress code at Maine East, put in place to avert gang activity, bans the wearing of all outerwear, including letter jackets, in the building. When it went into effect on Jan 27, it sparked a demonstration by 75 students.

School Supt. James Elliott said the dress code is being considered not just to stop gangs, but also to teach students that ``it is not appropriate to wear jackets and hats in the working environment.``

The school board, Elliott said, is expected to decide on the dress code for Maine West and Maine South before the end of this school year. If it agrees to the ban, Elliott said, it will start in the fall.